After a long ride, the vehicles stopped at an empty town that was evacuated very early on, no doubt. The emptiness was anything but welcoming, the occasional groan of something metal or shifting of an aged building danced on the already worn nerves of the group. The effects were much worse for Abnormals with enhanced perception, like Hawk and Rodent.

The former caught glimpses of things that weren’t there, likely spurred by fear of ambush, which made him almost as twitchy as Rodent. That was saying something, as the latter remained inside of the car with an expression that made it seem as if he would up and leave at any time, regardless of the group’s safety.

The researchers were guarded by Bear, Kitty, and Rabid, while Hawk, Lyn, and Visette went into the town hall to make use of their comms. Papers were strewn about, terminals were still left on, and there were even stagnant cups of water and coffee remaining. It was clear evacuations were hurried as panic likely overwhelmed them once news of Eden Hall falling reached their ears.

Navigating the messy halls led the small group into a radio room capable of reaching multiple cities. There, they began reaching out to their own cities via encrypted radio channels. After reciting a series of numbers, Lyn reached New Mayhall.

[Captain O’Hara, we lost radio contact with your hoverwing, what is your status?] A woman asked.

“We entered an empty city, expecting a simple extraction. Maybe clearing some debris and patching some researchers up, but what we got was a fucking mess! Not only is the entire horde of Corrupted still within Eden Hall they are evolving faster than before and they have a leader who can control them. The hoverwing’s were brought down by Corrupted who have mutated to fly. As for our team–” Lyn hesitated, glancing at Visette. “There’s only me and Visette Thales left.”

“Understood… I’ll relay your report to the commander at once.” The woman replied, clearly shaken by Lyn’s account.

The line clicked sharply before a deep inhale was heard on the other side.

[The researchers?] Commander Wakefield asked, maintaining his rationality.

“Safe, we still haven’t decided where they’ll go, but the teams from Roslin and Copperhaven are gone too.”

[Good, bring them back at all costs.]

“Did you fucking hear what I said about the Corrupted? They have a leader!”

[Yes, I’m aware of what you said, O’Hara. We have begun evacuation prep already and the railway is in the process of being constructed. In the meantime, our highest priority is those researchers. I presume the Abnormals from Freedom City are still alive?]

Lyn remained silent, feeling the direction of the conversation was heading somewhere ominous.

[Captain O’Hara, is the Freedom City extraction team still alive and capable of fighting?]

“Yes, Sir,” Lyn spoke through gritted teeth.

[We need those researchers, Captain O’Hara.]

“So what are you asking me to do?!” Lyn shouted, clenching the desk as she did, causing the wood to splinter.

[The method of securing the researchers is up to you. It stands to reason that with your escape from the city they wouldn’t expect a sudden attack. I’m sending an additional hoverwing sixty kilometers north of your current position, deal with the Freedom City team if you need to and head there immediately.]

“You cowardly son of a-” Before Lyn could say anything else, the radio clicked and the low buzz of an empty channel filled her ears.

She sighed, calmly putting the radio down before unexpectedly smashing her fist into the table.

“Calm down,” Vis spoke softly, perhaps aware of Commander Wakefield’s orders.

Lyn didn’t reply only mumbling something to herself, before shaking her sore hand and looking across the room at Hawk.

“We’re good to go on my end. However–” Hawk’s gaze alternated between Visette and Lyn.

“Fox, our leader, agreed with me when I said we should hand the researchers over to you.”

A look of relief appeared on Lyn’s face right before her eyes narrowed in suspicion.

“The catch?” She questioned, though there was a tinge of guilt present considering she was almost tasked with murdering people she had narrowly survived with.

“No catch, we’re not in the position to add one right now. Only– Well, there is the matter of you Ms.Thales. We plan on evacuating everyone and heading as far away as we can and since you’re-”

“No,” Lyn interrupted.

“Sorry, but don’t you think that’s up to her?” Hawk didn’t back down, even as Lyn showed signs of agitation. “Listen, I offered you an invitation once before, but I never thought you’d turn out to be so incredible…- However, that’s beside the point. I’ve talked it over with Fox and while he was skeptical, he knows I wouldn’t lie to him. So, if you’re willing to at least demonstrate your power to him and the others in the city, we’re more than willing to assist you in any way we can.”

Vis didn’t answer immediately, instead, she slightly lowered her head in contemplation before answering.

“I agree for now, but my conditions may change. I won’t accept it if you try to change my present goal.”

“Visette,” Lyn turned to face the white-haired girl with a look of disbelief.

“I won’t take any hostile actions against New Mayhall, if that’s what you’re worried about, Lyn,” Visette spoke.

“You really think–” Lyn suddenly paused, turning to face Hawk with a scornful glare. “Leave.”

Hawk raised his hands in surrender and left without a fight, he had already gotten confirmation from Visette so his part was done.

“You really think I’m worried about you attacking us?!” Lyn slammed her hand on the wall beside Visette. “After everything, you’re seriously just leaving? I thought back at Eden Hall that you were just– You mean to tell me that’s it?”

“My personal feelings on the matter cannot take precedence over the logical choice.”

“Personal feelings? Well, at least you seem to have some,” Lyn laughed dejectedly, pulling back.

“Lyn, I’m not confident in being able to convince the ruling body of New Mayhall to follow me. Do you think they would let me lead them? Even if they agreed, even with my power, I cannot protect an entire city at every moment nor do I have plans to. As of now, I will be required to go to different locations in order to locate any remnants of Minerva. My goal is in direct contradiction to the goals of New Mayhall so–”

“Stop… Just– I don’t care about any of that. I just want you to stay and help me protect them... please?” Lyn’s voice was hollow as she spoke. She was well aware that between the talk in the museum and now, there was no convincing Visette.

“I can’t do that, just as you can’t disregard your loyalty to New Mayhall... If we come across each other in the future, I will assist you in any way I can, but I won’t stay.”

Lyn gave a self-pitying laugh before shaking her head. “...We’ll leave when you’re ready. Our extract is sixty kilometers away from here.”

Vis’ eyes followed Lyn until she departed and almost immediately after, Hawk entered.

“I won’t ask about– well, whatever it is you two have going on– but I do need to know if you’re sure about letting us join? Just to be clear, we’re willing to go wherever you are, so we at least need a destination, right?”

“I need to return to a town near New Mayhall before I join you. When I arrive at your city, I’ll have a location in mind.”

“I’ll take your word for it then.” Hawk nodded.

After radio contact was made, the town was quickly searched for basic supplies, food, water, and any spare ammunition before the group headed north. It was best to get as far away from Eden Hall as possible, so they did just that. There were a few more abandoned towns on the way to the extraction. Where the former inhabitants had gone was unknown, but no one stopped to find out.

After a long and quiet drive, they arrived at an open field, perfect for a pickup. Of course, they didn’t settle after arriving. Visette suggested they form a basic perimeter just in case.

Hawk agreed and everyone took a position in and around the armored vehicles, keeping a watch on the flat horizon, but nothing came to pass.

“Mhmm,” Rabid growled, turning her eyes to the east.

“You guys hear that?” Rodent asked excitedly.

The sound didn’t resemble the wings of flying Corrupted but the rotor of Hoverwings which brought immediate joy to the group’s face, with the exception of Visette, obviously.

“Thank Anton– or rather, you, I guess,” Lucas laughed sheepishly as he met Visette’s gaze.

She ignored him and instead traced her fingers over Anton’s journal, hoping to gain a sense of direction from it. From her side, Lyn glanced at her before looking away just as quickly.